Farringdon station memorial for creator of London Underground typeface

How the station memorial to typeface designer Edward Johnston would look. Picture: Fraser Muggeridge Studio

FARRINGDON station will soon have a new memorial commem­orating the creator of the familiar London Underground typeface.

Early 20th century designer Edward Johnston created the sans-serif font, which celebrated its 100th anniversary two years ago.

Now, London Underground has submitted a planning application to the Town Hall seeking approval for the enlarged Johnston font to be placed along one wall of the station.

The proposal will feature hardwood print block letters running from Z to A with the word “Johnston” hidden in the middle.

Hackney firm Fraser Muggeridge Studio was chosen to design the piece, which is half-sculpture, half-sign. Planners are expected to approve the plans in the coming months.

The planning proposal states: “Each letter will be as close a represent­ation to the original Johnston print block letters as is possible, giving the impression that the print block letters have just been found in a printer’s studio and mounted to the wall.”

Uruguay-born Mr Johnston, regarded as a pioneer of modern calligraphy, spent most of his career in Ditchling, Sussex.